chapter1685

"He ended up calling me, and he finally relaxed when I told him you were just asleep."

Stella mumbled a response.

Noticing Stella's low spirits, Abby asked with concern, "Star, what's wrong? Are you in a bad mood?"

Stella rubbed her weary brow. "Maybe I've just been too tired lately."

Abby sighed. "I know it's a good time to poach some of Aurora's resources while she's away, but your health is the most important thing. Star, you don't have to push yourself so hard. We have plenty of time."

Stella nodded, then asked, "By the way, Abby, have you been in touch with Harland recently?"

"No, I cut off all contact with him after I left the Lerman family," Abby replied.

"Do you think... his blindness and disability are real?" Stella asked.

"I'm not sure about his eyes, but his legs were definitely badly injured. I don't know if

he can actually walk or not, though," Abby said.

Stella nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Soon, Abby drove them back to the Williams family estate, and the two went to rest.

For the next several days, Stella buried herself in work.

She replied to almost all of Joshua's texts, but she turned down his repeated invitations to meet. She needed time to think things through carefully.

One day, she received an unexpected call from Neville.

"Star, I'm back from my business trip. Are you free for dinner tonight?"

Though Neville had moved his operations to Solmaris, he was still incredibly busy and often had to travel. Every time he returned, he would ask Stella out for a meal to catch up.

They didn't see each other often, so Stella almost always accepted his invitations. This time was no different.

"Okay."

At six in the evening, Stella arrived at the restaurant on time.

Neville was already waiting by the window. When he saw her approach, he stood and gallantly pulled out her chair.

"Star, you're here."

Stella sat down across from him. "Have you been waiting long?"

"No, I just got here myself," Neville said.

Once they were seated, Neville called the waiter over to order.

They chatted for a bit about Marvin's condition.

Then, Neville asked, "Star, are you and Joshua together?"

After a few seconds of silence, Stella gave a slight nod.

A complex emotion flickered in Neville's eyes. "It seems time has given you your answer."

Remembering his past encouragement, Stella said, "Neville, thank you."

Neville smiled. "We're friends. You don't have to be so formal."

He didn't dwell on the subject and quickly changed topics.

After dinner, Stella still had some work

back and needed to e office so Nevet

her there.

drove

As she was getting out of the car,

just about to say goodbye, Neviet

suddenly said: "Star

She looked back at him. "Neville, is there something else?"

"Can I give you a hug?" he asked.

Stella looked at him and nodded.

Neville gave her a light embrace and quickly let go.

"Star, I wish you all the happiness," he said.

Stella took the elevator back up to her office.

It was already eight at night, and the office was quiet and deserted.

She opened her office door.

Before leaving, she had left a small lamp on.

In the dim light, a tall, slender figure was sitting quietly on the sofa. His lonely silhouette cast a shadow on the wall, creating an indescribable sense of solitude.